Jacksonville City Council Regular Meeting - August 25, 2026
Jacksonville City Council Regular Meeting - August 25, 2026
The Jacksonville City Council met on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at 5:00 PM in the Council Chamber, City Hall. The meeting was called to order by Council President Nick Howland and included 19 members present. The meeting adjourned at 7:54 PM. The agenda included a presentation honoring W.C. Gentry, a quasi-judicial rezoning, a large consent agenda, public comments, numerous public hearings, and final action on several ordinances.
Consent Calendar
- Approved 18-0 (with one nay absent): The consent agenda included routine approvals and unanimous actions. Notable items:
- 2026-0318 (Amend Code Enforcement Citations – filing fee) – Withdrawn.
- 2026-0569 (Reschedule committee meetings in May 2027) – Approved.
- 2026-0573 (MOU with Atlantic Beach for disaster debris management) – Approved.
- 2026-0574 (Stand for Service Act – military spouse/veteran hiring preference, Cecil Airport consideration) – Approved.
- 2026-0575 (Appropriation of $94,080 to Operation New Uniform for Sandler AI Roleplay Coach) – Approved.
- 2026-0581 (Confirm Brian Bush to Renew Arlington CRA Advisory Board) – Approved.
- 2026-0582 (Appoint CM Tyrona Clark-Murray to Florida League of Cities) – Approved.
- 2026-0584 (Authorize demolition of Sax Seafood building at 816 W. Union St) – Approved.
- 2026-0593 through 2026-0616 (Various reappointments and appointments to boards and commissions) – Approved.
- 2026-0612 (Confirmation of Becky Morgan to Downtown Development Review Board) – Withdrawn.
- 2026-0642 (Honoring Nehemiah Turner for volunteer service) – Approved.
Public Comments & Testimony
- 21 speakers addressed the Council during the public comment period, which began at approximately 5:45 PM. Speakers addressed a wide range of topics:
- Tony Langles expressed support for the "Free to Garden Act" and for Flock cameras, stating they assist JSO in solving crimes.
- Dutchy Stevens criticized code enforcement regarding an overgrown lot and water drainage issues, and complained about catering not being shared with security officers.
- King Brookins asserted indigenous Tamokian identity, requested official recognition, and objected to racial classification as Black/African American.
- Denise Scott called for legislation requiring retention pond fencing, criticized Councilmember Carrico for comments about a speaker, opposed Flock cameras citing privacy concerns, and questioned JFRD misconduct.
- Cavell Roman and Mickey Roman (business owners) complained about property tax increases that they said made it difficult to operate their RV park, and called for tax relief and oversight of the property appraiser.
- Joy Vin (iCare) urged the Council to create a community-based affordable housing trust fund, noting that 200,000 Social Security recipients in Jacksonville spend 68% of income on rent.
- Rima Pristella opposed Flock cameras, arguing they violate the Fourth Amendment as established in Carpenter v. United States.
- Deb Collins opposed a proposed $25 fee for the trap-neuter-return (TNR) program, noting Jacksonville's pioneering Feral Freedom Program.
- Raymond Day (Tree Commission Chair, speaking as individual) urged fiscal discipline, noting the mayor's proposed 10% salary increase contrasts with a 3% private sector norm, which could save $247,000.
- Samantha Sears opposed overdevelopment, questioned the county jail location and budget, and urged prioritizing cuts to JSO/JFRD rather than arts.
- Jamie Travis Leonard supported retention pond safety legislation, opioid funding (2026-0638), and criticized the budget's 53% allocation to JSO/JFRD.
- Jennifer Joyner requested increased TNR funding, noting that Duval Cat Fix funds are exhausted after the first quarter and a $25 copay is now required.
- Dragon Beloit presented a petition with 662 signatures against Flock cameras, supported TNR and affordable housing, and criticized low wages and high rents.
- Casey Jones opposed Flock cameras, citing the Fourth Amendment and Benjamin Franklin.
- Pastor Timothy Johnson supported retention pond safety legislation, recounting the drowning of his granddaughter.
- Nancy Murray Settle opposed a concrete batch plant in Northwest Jacksonville, citing health and environmental concerns, and questioned the cumulative industrial zoning in that area.
- James Matchett urged action on retention pond safety and slum housing enforcement.
- Brooke DeBay requested increased TNR funding, noting demand exceeds current funding.
- Clarence Long (representing GCTC) discussed the Stand for Service Act and his business interests, but expressed disappointment with city representation.
- Denise Cook celebrated the 19th Amendment anniversary and called for greater female representation on the Council.
- Wells Todd criticized Councilmember Carrico's comments and opposed the concrete batch plant.
- Etta Ettlinger criticized Councilmember Carrico's behavior and asked what rules govern Council members.
- Tom McGuire opposed Flock cameras and the proposed new jail, citing fiscal and constitutional concerns.
- Latasha Hobbs supported Flock cameras, citing their role in solving violent crimes and locating missing persons.
- John Nooney discussed property tax reform and regional cooperation.
Discussion Items
- Presentation of Framed Resolution 2026-114-A: Councilmember Terrance Freeman presented a resolution honoring W.C. Gentry for decades of service, including his work on the Jacksonville Journey. Several Council members spoke in tribute.
- Farewell Remarks from Councilmember Terrance Freeman: Freeman delivered an emotional speech thanking his family, colleagues, and staff, and reflecting on his service, including his cancer battle. He urged respect for the process, umpires, fans, and opponents.
- Councilmember Gaffney announced a meeting on retention pond safety held earlier that day, with 75-100 attendees, and proposed forming a special committee to address the issue.
- Councilmember Pittman announced the 4th annual memorial for the victims of the Dollar General shooting, to be held the next day.
- Councilmember Johnson presented a mock $200,000 check to Freeman as a humorous gesture.
- Second Reading Ordinances: Several rezonings and land use amendments were read and rereferred to the LUZ committee for future public hearings.
Key Outcomes
- Minutes of August 11, 2026, approved 19-0.
- Quasi-Judicial Ordinance 2026-0531 (Rezoning at 7080 Wheat Rd) approved 19-0.
- Consent Agenda approved 18-0, with two items withdrawn.
- Emergency Resolution 2026-0640 (Confirm Janice H. Curry to Renew Arlington CRA Advisory Board) approved 18-0.
- Public Hearings on Land Use Amendments:
- 2026-0126 and 2026-0127 (Pitts Rd) continued to September 8, 2026.
- 2026-0523 and 2026-0524 (Yellow Water Rd) continued to September 8, 2026.
- 2026-0525 (Emerson St FLUM amendment) approved 19-0.
- 2026-0526 (Emerson St rezoning) approved 19-0.
- 2026-0527 (Spring Glen Rd FLUM amendment) approved 19-0.
- 2026-0528 (Spring Glen Rd rezoning) approved 19-0.
- 2026-0529 (Gate Pkwy FLUM amendment) approved 19-0.
- 2026-0530 (Gate Pkwy rezoning) approved 18-0 after floor amendment.
- 2026-0553 and 2026-0554 (Causey Ln) additional public hearing set for September 8, 2026.
- Third Reading Ordinances:
- 2026-0572 (Appropriate $33,958,000 for JXSF Completion Grant) amended and approved 18-0.
- 2026-0578 (Appropriate $479,997 to Trinity Rescue Mission for homeless services) amended and approved 18-0.
- 2026-0579 (Forgiveness for Made a Way Foundation) approved 18-0.
- 2026-0583 (De-appropriate $1,741,527 for Downtown Northbank CRA) amended and approved 18-0.
- 2026-0585 (First Amendment to Shipyards redevelopment agreement) amended and approved 18-0.
- 2026-0587 (Chaffee Rd widening eminent domain) amended and approved 18-0.
- 2026-0589 (Council Rules amendment – excused absences for employer obligations) approved 15-3 (Boylan, Diamond, Peluso dissenting).
- Second Reading Resolution 2026-0681 (Honoring 60th Anniversary of Florida State College at Jacksonville) passed as emergency with floor amendment, 19-0.
- Addendum (two items introduced) approved 19-0.
- Meeting adjourned at 7:54 PM.
Meeting Transcript
Good evening. Welcome. I call to order the meeting of the full city council of August 25th, 2026. And Mr. Boylan, over to you as floor leader. Thank you, Mr. President. Our first order of business, of course, is the indication and pledge of allegiance. I would ask that you please recognize Councilmember Amaro, our council chaplain, to introduce today's pastor. Thank you, Mr. Floor Leader. Tonight we're honored to welcome Pastor Michael Pop of Grace Lutheran Church and School in Arlington to lead us into our opening prayer. Originally from the Midwest, uh Pastor Michael spent uh the first 30 years of his life there before moving to Jacksonville over 20 years ago. A move he thanks the Lord for every day. He began his career as a middle school math teacher in Nebraska and Iowa. But in 2005, he answered God's call to come to Grace Lutheran to help launch a middle school and the athletic ministry. In 2015, Pastor Michael entered pastoral ministry through Concordia Seminary in St. Louis and was ordained as an associate pastor in 2017. He has faithfully served as the sole pastor at Grace for the past three years, being a true shepherd of the Lord and the firm foundation of faith and guidance to the entire congregation, especially for those who on some days need it the most. In addition to his pastoral responsibilities, Pastor Michael serves as the uh director of athletic ministries for the Florida, Georgia District, and the president of the Jacksonville Christian Athletic League. He and his wife Jessa, Grace's third grade teacher, have been married since 1998, and they're a proud parents of two sons, Peyton and Addison, who both moved out of their house last year. Peyton is following in his father's footstep and is starting his fourth year as a middle school math teacher and athletic director at Grace. Pastor Michael is passionate about coaching basketball, chairing for his beloved Chicago sports teams, including the Bears, who might finally have a season where the quarterback throws throws a couple of thousand yards and officiating weddings for former students. Please receive uh Pastor Michael Pomp for tonight's invocation. Thank you. Grace, responsibility, integrity, and tenacity. And it's certainly that tenacity we're trying to help our middle schoolers have because we're in a world where they quit so easy. Uh, we're using the theme verse Galatians 6 9. I think it's very fitting as you guys start this new season, too. Uh and let us not grow weary of doing good. For in due time, we will reap if we do not give up. Um, and so certainly I'm here to thank you all on behalf of our school, our neighborhood. Um, what a wonderful place we have. We've been to a lot of big cities, and none's as clean as Jacksonville and safe. I love it. And I thank you for all what you do. Let's start this tonight by bringing the Lord here in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Amen. We pray. Good and gracious Lord, once again, we thank you for the blessing of all these uh wonderful individuals who put themselves on the line where half the people will not be happy, and they're gonna hear it. And every uh thing that comes up has two sides and and it feels like division, and yet when we look around, we couldn't be happier with the place that we have, the safety we have, the true clean city we have. Uh so excited, everything going on. And we know it starts here, and uh so we're just thankful. Those of us who are ignorant almost all year about it, come back and we're thankful. So be with them. May they continue to uh be rooted in you and the decisions they make, continue to look after each other, that we continue to uh bring thy glory into you come back and bring us home. In Jesus' name we pray, amen. Thank you again. I pledge allegiance.
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